News

Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Bandai Games America Inc., announced today that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 has gone gold for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Based on the popular Naruto animated series, from VIZ Media, this fighter steps it up a notch and delivers new innovative features, enhancements and customizations. Battle through 20 stages with over 40 popular Naruto characters in the fiercest battles the series has ever seen when it is released on March 25.

The most feature-rich game in the Ultimate Ninja franchise to date, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 will not disappoint as it offers up a host of firsts for the series. Diligent fans can re-live all their favorite battles that made up Story Arc 1 in Hero's History mode. Ninja-in-training can upgrade their strength, agility, defense, chakra and other special abilities to customize their characters to their liking. Turn characters into giant ninjas of unprecedented size, or summon large beasts to help turn the tide in Summoning Mode. Also for the first time, North American fans can listen to both English and Japanese voiceovers.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 will also include a brand new original story, which will have players exploring the Hidden Leaf Village and participating in battle royale matches in over 55 scenarios. The fun doesn't stop there, as tons of unlockable items such as movies, music and cards are hidden away offering loads of replay value to the game.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is rated "T" for teen by the ESRB and carries an MSRP of $39.99. For more information please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com or www.naruto.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

About Namco Bandai Games America Inc.

Namco Bandai Games America Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the Namco Bandai group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN, SOULCALIBUR, Naruto and Tekken brands. For more information about Namco Bandai Games America Inc., and our products log onto http://www.namcobandaigames.com/.